(Not so) Blue Cafe bag (updated with pattern) and how-to

One of my copies of Cotton & Paint:

has a picture of this bag in it:

I decided to make my own version:

I realized after looking at the photo with morning eyes instead of late night eyes, that I didn't follow the lines of the handle in the original bag at all.  I will definately have to adjust this pattern for a remake at some point!

List of materials needed:

• old linen skirt (for outside of bag)
• thrifted material (for lining of bag)
• thrifted leather jacket (for handles)
• material from converting husband's lounge pants to lounge shorts (for pocket lining inside of bag)
• button
• hemp cord chain stitched to a length of 10 inches
• pattern (will post soon)

Here is the basic pattern I used:

And instructions:

1. cut 2 for outside
2. cut 2 for inside
3. cut pocket from same material as outside of bag (or your preference) as big as you like and sew onto outside front piece
4. sew outside front and back together down the sides and across bottom, right sides together
5. repeat step 4 for inside pieces making sure to leave opening in bottom of these pieces (to pull bag through once completed)
6. pin outside and inside of bag together across top and handles and sew together
7. turn and press
8. use leather to finish off handles or whatever material you desire.
9. chain stitch hemp cord and sew both ends into back seam of bag (I had to unpick the seam here since it was already sewn)
10.  attach whatever closing mechanism you prefer onto the outside of the pocket

YOU ARE DONE!

                                                    

I also saw this bag in the same magazine:

I think I will have to make this one next.  It should be a little faster since there is a pattern and how to in the magazine!

~Penny

Comments

[southerngirlmusings]

Love your bag and your refashioning of some great items. I have some other Japanese craft mags and have never purchased one of the Cotton & Paint mags, the cover looks like they include a mixture of items, is that true? Thanks for sharing.

[sarah]

Loving your new bags Penny.
Sarah xx

[Glynis]

Thanks for enlarging my comprehension of worldwide creativity. Is there something unique about Japanese crafting magazines or do you collect from other countries as well?

[liz]

I love the blue cafe bag. I decided to try making one using your pattern for my step-grandmother for her 80th birthday... I think I'll be making more!

I posted my finished project on craftster with a link to your blog post:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=206413.0

thanks for sharing!!

[alpa]

you have a beautiful blog; first time here. i'm a beginner sewer (yes, a little late in the game, but oh well).

i would love any advice you may have on how to buy fabric/notions/etc without going bankrupt, lol. this is causing me the most frustration. also, how to match up fabric to the item you are trying to make! i'm just learning about fabric, i just go for what looks good instead. Thanks!

[Katie]

I LOVE THIS! So cute! I can't wait for a tutorial on the second bag too, too adorable!

[Jana]

I like your version much better than the original. Great job! And I absolutely love the second bag in the magazine - the white with embroidery. Gorgeous. Do you read Japanese?

[Toby]

Have you made that second bag yet, the one with the ruffle on the top? :) Toby